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Reunion Dinner
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I passed through the nostalgic square, bathed in the glow of the sunset.
I need to return this 5-year-old home before it gets dark…
The square was located in the center of Soltaire. Although the townscape had changed due to the attack from the Reingard, this small square in the center remained the same. The stone steps that could also be used as seats, and the large beech tree growing in the depths of the square.
It hadn’t changed, but since I had grown bigger, it felt a bit cramped. It was the same illusion I had felt in the port town of Amor. The stone steps created a hollowed depression, and the cobblestones were laid out haphazardly in the square.
It’s nostalgic. This is where Medna-san often taught me how to play the lute. I don’t intend to romanticize my battles with Medna-san, but I want to remember her ideals.
A peaceful world without war. Remembering that seems to be the only healing for the “killing weapon” within me.
For that reason, I might try playing an instrument again after a long time. I don’t know if I remember how to play, but continuing to play an instrument might be one way to recall memories of Medna-san. Maybe I’ll go buy an instrument when I have some time. A flute, a string instrument, or a keyboard instrument, anything is fine. They should sell them in Barwitch.
I continued walking through my hometown. I was heading toward the Liberta’s hideout,
leading the cheerful 5-year-old girl, who was happily walking while holding hands with Shia.
“By the way, Lost-san, how do you know this child’s home?” (Shia)
“Huh?” (Jack)
Shia, who lacked consistency in her speech, was talking to me.
Ah, that’s right. I was acting on my own, but Shia didn’t realize that Rinalee’s parents are the same people I want to meet.
“Are you, perverted Onii-chan, perhaps a stalker…?” (Rinalee)
Rinalee, feeling anxious, stopped and clasped her hands over her chest. She looked genuinely worried.
Calling me a stalker after just meeting me, a 5-year-old?!
Rinalee was very wary of me. She furrowed her delicate, soft brows and took a step back. Then, she clung to Shia’s waist to hide.
This is what happens when the first impression goes poorly. Bad reputations tend to follow you around.
“Oh dear.” (Shia)
Shia replied flatly.
She seemed to be going along with it even though she understood.
“I knew it!” (Rinalee)
“I’m not! I know your Okaa-san and Otou-san!” (Jack)
“Huh, Mama and Papa…?!” (Rinalee)
“Alfred and Lindsay, right? You look just like them.” (Jack)
It’s understandable that Rinalee was confused. The person she thought was a pervert was actually a comrade who fought alongside her parents. I had even fought seriously with Alfred. Knowing this fact should ease Rinalee’s caution a bit.
“So, you’re a thorough stalker who has researched your parents’ profiles?” (Shia)
“Nooo!! Scary, scary, scary!!” (Rinalee)
“Why does it turn out like that?!” (Jack)
However, that plan was ruined by Shia’s provocation. Rinalee moved even further away from me, positioning Shia between us.
…I’ll have to ask her parents to explain.
—
Finally, we arrived at the house. The shape of the house was exactly as it had been back then. It had once collapsed, but it seems they rebuilt it just like that. The terrace and rocking chairs in the garden, the benches, and the small vegetable garden were all unchanged. It was well-maintained. That was proof that someone was living there.
“That bastard Alfred was living so leisurely in a place like this… damn, my Volga is completely wasted…” (Salamander)
Salamander, who literally made a nest on Shia’s shoulder, muttered complaints.
“Are you satisfied if you get your Volcanic Volga back?” (Shia)
“No, that’s not enough… I tasted humiliation. Do you know how miserable I was after losing Volga?” (Salamander)
“No, I don’t.” (Shia)
She even took out her anger on me, who had nothing to do with the Baira Volcano incident.
I had heard the story several times, but basically, Salamander was angry about losing Volga and wanted revenge. I had never heard such an episode from Alfred himself. He probably just took what he wanted and escaped, saying something casual like “See you again,” and Salamander misunderstood it.
Flapping her limbs, Salamander leaped down from Shia’s shoulder, engulfed herself in flames, and transformed into a beautiful girl… no, into a child version of Salamander. Adorned with red lizard scales, she exposed her skin from her chest to her lower abdomen. Two horns sprouted from her head, and a thick tail whipped around, smashing against the ground. Unfortunately, her small chest made her lack any sexy appeal.
“Whoa—!” (Rinalee)
However, it was Rinalee who sparkled her eyes at that sight. Standing next to her, she was about the same height as Rinalee.
So, Salamander’s current body is about that of a 5-year-old.
“Hey, hey, I’m all set over here!” (Salamander)
Saying that, the fire spirit Salamander took a stance and stepped back. She was already in a combat stance.
“…The lizard was a girl?!” (Rinalee)
“I’m not a lizard! I’m a red dragon! One of the top combat-capable fire dragons among the dragon race!” (Salamander)
“O-ohhh! So cute!” (Rinalee)
Rinalee relentlessly hugged Salamander, who was the same size as her, with all her might. Despite Salamander’s usual habit of desperately countering with fire magic, Rinalee was unfazed by the flames. She might be her worst enemy, and Salamander was half in a state of resignation. Shia intervened, calming Rinalee, and Salamander let out a sigh of relief.
Watching that exchange, I suddenly realized the hierarchy among the three of them.
[Shia] > [Rinalee] > [Salamander]
That’s how it is. For now, Shia has the strongest power among the three. As expected of Shia Randall… she possesses a terrifying charm that can even control a girl like a machine gun. However, I wonder about Salamander being toyed with by a child.
“Salamander, can you compete with Alfred like that?” (Jack)
“It’s not about whether I can compete. I’m going to get my revenge no matter what!” (Salamander)
What a manly spirit. If it weren’t for their history, I feel like Alfred and Salamander would actually get along well in terms of personality.
—
I quickly knocked on the door knocker at the entrance. The heavy iron knocker felt even heavier due to the tension.
—Bang, bang, bang.
The heavy sound echoed inside the house.
Or at least it should have, but no one seemed to come out.
Is no one home?
“Rinalee, are your Okaa-san and Otou-san out somewhere?” (Jack)
“I don’t know!” (Rinalee)
“Huh… you don’t know?” (Jack)
“Yeah.” (Rinalee)
What does that mean? This is troubling. The sun is about to set, and I don’t even know if Shia and I can find a room. If we’re talking about an inn in this town, it would probably be the Conran Inn. I wonder if Nancy-san is still working as the signboard girl. If it’s that gentle person, she might provide good service even if the place is fully booked. It might be better to go there first and secure a room. Since Shia is here, I want to avoid camping out at all costs.
Just as I proposed this and was about to turn back from the old hideout, I saw two black figures illuminated against the backdrop of the sunset in the darkening grassland ahead. The shadows walked closely together, looking friendly.
One was quite robust, a man. The other was slender but well-proportioned. The figure with side-tailed hair appeared to be a woman.
Ah, no doubt about it.
That was Alfred and Lindsay.
“Ah!! Papa! Mama!” (Rinalee)
Rinalee reacted quickly, running toward the two. It was already expected, but I was convinced in my mind. Rinalee was the child of those two. It was late, but just as I thought, she was a product of those two.
“Hey! You’ll trip!” (Lindsay)
That lively running figure and the warm admonition from her mother. Seeing such a scene warmed my heart as well.
Family is probably like that.
“Whoa, Rinalee!” (Alfred)
Had Alfred cut his hair a bit shorter?
He no longer had the rugged adventurer feel. He had become a somewhat refreshing human. Yet his rough impression remained the same. With his sturdy physique, he firmly caught his small, delicate child and lifted her high. Then, after a cheerful toss, he expertly gave her a shoulder ride. Lindsay smiled gently at the sight.
…What a heartwarming scene.
The two had completely become parents. While I was causing chaos in the labyrinth city, their time had flowed toward an incredibly happy direction. They were the ones who raised me. I felt happy as well. It seemed the two of them noticed our presence. They approached us with quick steps and bowed to us. Seeing them up close made me even more nervous.
Alfred was still bigger and more muscular than I was, and Lindsay was still a beauty. I wondered if I had surpassed Lindsay in height. Both of them were probably around 24 or 25 years old. They could still be active adventurers. Though their demeanor was entirely parental, they hadn’t changed in appearance at all.
“Excuse me, did you bring our child back?” (Lindsay)
Lindsay peeked at my face as she said that.
It was only natural that she wouldn’t recognize me. Even though I was still only 15, I had been 11 when we parted. I had grown quite a bit, and the presence of an elf like Shia was rare in this town. This was a village centered around humans.
“That outfit, are you an adventurer? If you want, why don’t you come over for a meal at our place?” (Alfred)
Alfred glanced at the unusual combination of me, Shia, and Salamander, then cheerfully made the suggestion.
Alfred, with his broad-mindedness and courage, was the type of person who would engage warmly with good people, even on a first meeting. However, it seemed that even he hadn’t noticed. Lizbeth had noticed immediately, but this couple had a strong natural element, so it’s no wonder they didn’t recognize me at first. In their minds, “Jack” was still a child of about 10 years old.
“Then, since it’s a good opportunity, I’ll go ahead and indulge. Long time no see, Fred, Lindsay.” (Jack)
I gathered my courage to throw that out.
With the same impudent attitude as back then. In the same tone as when I was simply called Jack. Upon hearing my words, the couple blinked in unison,
as if to say, “Who are you?”.
“Huh…” (Lindsay)
“Ah…” (Alfred)
Their gazes turned to my right arm and right cheek. Then, to the broadsword at my waist and the dagger knife hidden in my thigh. Their eyes widened for a moment, and it was as if a lightning bolt struck their heads, causing them to jerk their necks.
“Jack?!” (Alfred)
“Is that you, Jack?!” (Lindsay)
They both reacted simultaneously.
“I’m back. I finally made it back…” (Me)
Seeing their expressions, a sigh of relief inadvertently escaped me.
“Really Jack! Jack has come back!” (Lindsay)
Is it a sign of her happiness?
She hugged me tightly. My face buried in her chestnut-colored hair that was tied in a side tail, I felt a nostalgic, pleasant scent.
Wait, is it okay to do that in front of your husband?
Feeling a bit worried, I glanced at Alfred, but then he too covered me with a hug. His muscles were hard. And he hugged me with such ridiculous power that it hurt. This wasn’t a hug, it was pressure. I could have been crushed.
“I can’t believe it! You’ve grown so tough! You little brat! You made it back!” (Alfred)
Being firmly hugged by two adults made me feel a bit embarrassed. Right now, my face was undoubtedly bright red. But it was fine. Most importantly, they accepted me, who had changed even more. These people could easily be my parents now.
Goodbye, the Aldridge Household. I will live as Jack Liberta.
—That’s a joke. I do plan to drop by there once, though.
—
Once they stopped hugging me, they roughly ruffled my hair and patted my shoulders. No matter how much I had grown and gained experience, to them, I would still be treated like a child.
“What the hell, if you’re coming back, you should at least send a letter.” (Alfred)
“I heard from Irene-chan. You were in the labyrinth city? I want to hear more about it.” (Lindsay)
Perhaps it was the buildup of emotions; the two of them bombarded me with words in quick succession. I couldn’t hide my embarrassment.
“Ah, no, well, various things, um…” (Me)
What’s wrong? Was I this bad at speaking? Especially with people I can’t look up to.
As I scratched my head and stumbled over my words, Alfred gave me a hearty slap on the back and suggested,
“Well, since you’re back, let’s eat right away! There are plenty of rooms available, so feel free to use one.” (Alfred)
“Oh, by the way, what about those two over there…?” (Lindsay)
Lindsay pointed with her hand, expressing concern for Shia and Salamander, who was in her child form, behind me.
“Ah, those two are――――” (Me)
――Just as I was about to introduce them, the fire dragon began to lower its posture and charge forward. Her head remained at a constant height without moving. However, she extended her tail straight out, maintaining balance, and charged across the ground at an astonishing speed. Even though she was anthropomorphized, her movements were truly agile like a dragon.
“Alfreddddd!!!” (Salamander)
The fire dragon Salamander rushed in with an angry expression. But her youthful face made that anger appear adorably like a little girl rebelling against her parents.
“Ahh…?” (Alfred)
That sense of speed. The atmosphere, which had been filled with the warmth of reunion, changed dramatically. Yet I could follow her sudden charge with my eyes, and I’m sure Alfred could easily track her as well.
As she lunged at him, Alfred ducked to evade her grasping arms and, with a graceful motion, kicked Salamander’s jaw upward with his hind leg. A dangerously loud sound echoed in the yard, like bones shattering.
“Ngh…!” (Salamander)
Salamander’s face twisted in pain.
But as if to add insult to injury, a backfist struck her face. Alfred had lowered his foot and delivered a flowing, powerful punch. Watching Salamander flew straight sideways, I held my head in my hands. I guessed it had been a while since they had seen each other too, but I hoped they would show a little more restraint. I had been deeply moved, after all.
“What the hell is this?!” (Alfred)
Alfred struck first against the attacking enemy. It seemed his hands moved before his mouth could say anything. His fighting skills had not diminished at all. No, if anything, they had sharpened. He was clearly training. It was not something I should worry about, but as expected of Alfred. Still, after hitting her, he seemed curious about who she was.
“Fuhiyo! Hohoho! Remember me! I’ll get you back one day!” (Salamander)
Holding her cheeks and jaw with both hands, Salamander let out a garbled voice.
Salamander, you kind of sound like a punching bag now… From just a pet to now playing the role of the punching bag.
“I hear she’s the Fire Sage Salamander from the Baira Volcano, but Fred, you know her, right?” (Jack)
“Hmm… well, yeah…” (Alfred)
Unfortunately, it seems he doesn’t quite remember!
“Papa! No way! Salamander is a cute little lizard!” (Rinalee)
A small shadow stepped in from the side to stop her father’s brutal behavior. She stood in front of Salamander with her arms spread wide to shield her.
“Rinalee…?” (Salamander)
“What?! It’s Papa’s fault! I’m sorry, I’ll apologize!” (Alfred)
Eeeeh?!
Even reckless Alfred seems to lose his edge in front of his daughter. Alfred obediently lowered his raised fist.
It seems the power hierarchy has Alfred below Rinalee now. That means…
[Shia] > [Rinalee] > [Alfred] > [Salamander]
Something like that. Hmm, women are strong.
—
The sound of wood crackling in the fireplace. Illuminated by the glowing fire, Salamander was trying to regain her energy. She had reverted to her red lizard form and was sprawled on the sofa, while Shia was beside her, diligently casting healing magic. It seemed her jaw had been broken, but being a proud red dragon, she should be fine.
“Still, you’re quite the sinful man, aren’t you?” (Alfred)
Alfred, laughing heartily in front of me.
He held a tankard in one hand. He was drinking fermented beer. What had started as a dinner invitation had turned into a reunion feast. By now, Shia and Lindsay had finished eating and were doing something else, but Alfred and I were rambling on endlessly. Shia had introduced herself politely, and it seemed they had made a good impression.
“What do you mean?” (Jack)
“Jack, do you know how that young lady felt chasing after you… heh heh…” (Alfred)
That young lady must be referring to Irene.
“Even if you say that, my memories—” (Jack)
“Yet you brought back such a cute girl all the way here… you’ve really grown up, huh… hehehe.” (Alfred)
Alfred seemed to be getting tipsy.
While I was glad he was so cheerful after seeing me, I was weak against such comments.
“Alfie, aren’t you drinking a bit too much?” (Lindsay)
Seeing Alfred like this, Lindsay sighed in exasperation. At the same time, she slammed a large plate down on the table again. Even though dinner had just ended, was she really going to make more? I couldn’t help but feel she was making too much…
“Jack’s back, so we’re celebrating! This is a celebratory drink!” (Alfred)
“Even so…” (Lindsay)
“Well, just this once is fine, right? More importantly, Lindsay, you should drink too!” (Alfred)
“Stop it! Jack and Shia are here!” (Lindsay)
“Oh, oh, then let’s do it when they’re not around!” (Alfred)
In response to that comeback, Lindsay’s face turned bright red, and she hurriedly retreated to the kitchen.
“Hehe… no matter how many years pass, you’re still a cute wife.” (Alfred)
“I’m really happy that you two seem so happy.” (Jack)
“Thanks… It’s also because of you. Once a person encounters a weaker version of themselves, they come to realize the importance of others’ support…” (Alfred)
Alfred must have gone through a lot of struggles as well. During those times, having someone like Lindsay, who envelops them, was necessary for everyone in Liberta. Wait, everyone in Liberta――――.
“By the way, what about Dwayne?” (Jack)
“Ah…? That guy is in Barwitch.” (Alfred)
“Eh? Why is he in such a big city?” (Jack)
If I remember correctly, Dwayne was still out of his mind. Has he returned to normal?
“He’s working as a teacher at the magic school his dad runs.” (Alfred)
“Eh?! A school teacher?” (Jack)
Is he okay?
“Well, it’s understandable to be surprised… for a while, he lost his memory and his behavior became childish, but he’s originally a sharp guy. He seems to have no memories of when he was a member of Liberta, but now he’s doing just fine.” (Alfred)
“Really? I see…” (Jack)
Unexpected, but as long as he’s properly independent, I guess that’s not a problem. I can visit him in Barwitch easily, and I’m not sure if he remembers me, but I’ll go see him next time.
After that, it seemed like the dishes were finally being cleaned up, and Lindsay joined in on reminiscing about the old members. I shared the story of my reunion with Lizbeth in the labyrinth city. The two listened carefully, and when I told them about the events in the labyrinth city and how Lizbeth had returned to the magic guild as expected from Liberta, they seemed relieved.
Then, I brought up Tristan… Since the battle at the Paradise Cyans, there had been no news of Tristan. After the chaos settled, they had apparently searched for him thoroughly. Of course, they searched the facilities of Cyans as well. However, they hadn’t found Tristan himself, nor any remains.
“I believe… if it’s Tristan, he’s alive somewhere.” (Alfred)
“Alfie… being too optimistic might not be good.” (Lindsay)
“No, this is what you might call a ‘leader’s intuition’. He’s definitely alive somewhere. And I think he’ll pop up one day.” (Alfred)
“Yeah… I hope so…” (Lindsay)
With the pace of drinking slowing down, Alfred seemed to be sober up completely.
He stared off into the distance as if reminiscing about his former comrades far away.
Even after becoming parents, both of them were still concerned about their friends.
“By the way, about Rinalee…” (Alfred)
Just as I began to doze off, Alfred suddenly brought up his daughter. The very person in question was sound asleep upstairs.
“Fred, I’ve heard enough about your daughter.” (Jack)
“No, just listen to me one last time.” (Alfred)
“Fine, fine…” (Jack)
I was also feeling sleepy, and my tone was gradually becoming rough.
“Actually, we’ve decided to enroll Rinalee in the magic school where Dwayne is.” (Alfred)
“Eh?!” (Jack)
I blurted out a surprised voice at something completely different from what I had expected.
I thought he would talk about Rinalee’s cute points or her strong points, something along those lines. Moreover, the fact that it was a magic school where Dwayne had shocked me.
So that meant he would send her all the way to Barwitch in the neighboring town?
A 5-year-old girl?
“All five members of Liberta, excluding you, are graduates from that school, and we all owe it to the principal… well, Dwayne’s dad, Gawain Albarty-sensei.” (Alfred)
“Is that so…?” (Jack)
Even now, if you dig deeper, new stories come out.
I had heard about the five being childhood friends, so it wasn’t strange at all.
“With that connection, I consulted Gawain-sensei today about Rinalee’s mana directly.” (Alfred)
“Rinalee’s mana, could it be that unusual fire…?” (Jack)
“Yeah.” (Alfred)
So, that’s why they hadn’t been home today. Leaving their 5-year-old daughter behind to go on a date in the city, it’s a rather hands-off approach, I must say.
But it seemed that both parents were concerned about their daughter’s extraordinary fire magic. That wasn’t just typical parental affection. You could tell by looking closely. The mana and manipulation so strong that it could toy with dire wolves… It was an act that could rival quasi-god level. It was dangerous fire play for a child.
“It seems Gawain-sensei also had various concerns, and normally, kids start enrolling around age 7, but she’s been accepted as a special student.” (Alfred)
“I see… congratulations…? I guess?” (Me)
“No, I’m worried about it.” (Alfred)
“I am too…” (Lindsay)
For a 5-year-old girl, who was both physically and emotionally immature compared to other kids, sending her there must be worrisome for them as parents. Besides, her personality was somewhat combative, akin to Alfred’s. While the nail that sticks out gets hammered down, if there’s a younger child who is both talented and cheeky, she might become a target for bullying from her classmates.
“Hmm…” (Jack)
I was half-dozing off while listening to their conversation.
It was not that I didn’t care about Rinalee, but perhaps due to the fatigue from my long journey, sleepiness suddenly overtook me. When I glanced at Shia, she was already leaning against the back of the sofa and had fallen asleep. Noticing this, Lindsay took the cue.
“Alfie, it looks like Jack and the others are tired, so it’s about time…” (Lindsay)
“Ah, yeah, sorry for keeping you so late! Anyway, there’s still time until enrollment, so I’d like to consult with Jack about this matter going forward.” (Alfred)
“Eh, why?” (Lindsay)
“Because Jack is a reliable guy who’s like me. Plus, he’s going to be here for a while, right? Feel free to use this house as you like.” (Alfred)
For a while… more like, I only have plans to drop by the Aldridge estate. In the battlefield, I’m a freelancer, and life is unplanned.
I nodded along to Alfred’s suggestion and moved to the bedroom located where I used to sleep.
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